University of Minnesota Athletics
Wagner Breaks Into Lineup
2/21/2017 12:00:00 AM | Softball
By Jordyn Anderson
Athletic Communications Student Assistant
The Gophers are off to an amazing 9-0 start to their season as one of only 15 teams in the nation who are still undefeated. Dani Wagner is also having a breakout season so far in her third go-around donning the Maroon and Gold.
The past two seasons Wagner had been more of a defensive player rather than an offensive one, making plays in the infield and not getting in the box much. Starting all nine games of the 2017 season, Wagner has worked her way into the batting lineup and is hitting .320, already playing her best season yet.
On Saturday Wager nailed a walk-off single in the eighth inning in the Gopher's 3-2 victory over Notre Dame, and later recorded her first career home run as Minnesota topped North Carolina State 11-0.
"I was just seeing the ball well at the plate, staying on time, working through my at bats and sticking with all of them...and they ended up in my favor," she said. "In the box I have just been building up my confidence and working through it at practice. It's really coming together right now."
In two games on Saturday, Wagner went 4-7 with a double, a home run, a team leading three runs scored and four RBIs including the walk-off single.
She has also seen another change this season. Aside from her new place in the batting lineup, Wagner has made the switch from shortstop to outfield.
"The transition has been really great. Coach Allister has helped me a lot, as well as my teammates. I feel really comfortable out there," Wagner said.
In the last game of the tournament Wagner hit her second home run, putting up the final run in the sixth inning as the Gophers soared to a 7-1 victory over the NC State Wolfpack. She hit a team leading .426 last weekend with a 1.000 slugging percentage.
"Dani is doing a great job. It's fun to see her getting confident each day and with every at bat" head coach Jessica Allister said. "Dani has the ability to be a really good player for us at this level. I think she is getting her confidence in the outfield and is getting confident in the box. It was fun to see her have such a great weekend."
Wagner and the Gophers hope to keep the momentum rolling as they head to the Fresno State Tournament this weekend. Don't forget to follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram all season long to keep up with the latest news, features, videos and more!
